Mainers love winter! Each year they anxiously wait for the temperatures to drop, ice to form and snow to fall! They take to the mountains, the trails, the lakes and more! Winter sports don’t end at snowboarding and cross-country skiing, in fact around here the entire family gets involved – including the four-legged, furry ones! Dog sled racing is a unique and exciting sport that is alive and well in Maine! If you would like a glimpse into the sport and a chance to mingle with canine athletes and their mushers, then plan your visit to Moosehead Lake in early February!

The Wilderness Sled Dog Racing Association hosts an Annual Wilderness Sled Dog Race! The Mission of the Wilderness Sled Dog Racing Association is to foster International Sports Competition and to preserve the heritage of the sled dog by providing the opportunity for sled dog racing enthusiasts to engage in annual competition emphasizing the safety, animal welfare and good sportsmanship of all participants. Unfortunately their 2018 race has been cancelled due to trail conditions, but follow them on social media and on their website for 2019 race information!

Not able to make the race? No worries! Experience a true Maine winter adventure by taking a guided dog-sled trek on the beautiful snow-covered trails of the Moosehead Lake region with guides Mark and Ashley Patterson of Lone Wolf Guiding Services. Not only are they a five star guide service offering guided hikes and moose safaris, but they are also well known for their incredible love of and expertise in the sport of dog sledding. Lone Wolf offers two memorable experiences for those looking to spend some time around the pups and learn more about this ancient sport. Take the Kennel Tour to interact with the extremely friendly canines, from puppies to adults. Part of your tour includes a Basket Ride on groomed trails, where you will have the opportunity to help boot and harness the dogs before taking off on your 20 minute 3 mile ride!

Can you picture yourself behind the wheel? Or rather, the paws? Then you are in luck! At Lone Wolf you can learn to mush your own team on an approximately four hour hands-on trip. You’ll help set up your team of dogs and equipment and receive all the necessary training. When everything is ready, you’ll mush your own team on a 2 hour adventure through the beautiful north woods with a guide on snowmobile to accompany you for safety and assistance.